£720m 'to prevent flood carnage'

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AXA Insurance said the Government must commit £720 million to improve surface drainage in the 45 towns and cities affected by last year's floods.

David Williams, managing director of claims at AXA Insurance said: "The cost of last year's floods to the UK insurance industry as a whole was around £3.4 billion.

"More than 75% of our flood claims in 2007 resulted from drainage issues.

"Prevention measures and increased investment could substantially reduce insurance claims and disruption to people's lives."

The Government has already earmarked £800 million to be spent on coastal and river defences in 2010-11, and £5 million to be invested in the development of surface water management plans.

A Defra spokesman said: "Work to analyse the responses from the 'Improving Surface Water' consultation is currently ongoing, and we expect to have a summary of the responses published by the end of July.

"This analysis, together with findings from the urban drainage pilots and the recommendations from the Pitt Review and the EFRA Select Committee, will then inform production of new guidance for surface water management and a final policy decision on structures, roles and responsibilities for the end of the year."